We are able to republish this beautifully filmed video footage of a great aikido master in the form of an online study course through an arrangement with Laurin Herr of Pacific Interface, Inc., the architect of the original project.

Michio Hikitsuchi (1923 – 2004) was one of the closest disciples of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba. Hikitsuchi Sensei hailed from Shingu in Wakayama Prefecture near the birthplace of the Founder in Tanabe. He started his training under Ueshiba before the war as a teenager, and later built the Shingu Kumano Juku Dojo at the Founder’s behest in 1953. Hikitsuchi Sensei continued as the chief instructor of the Shingu Dojo for 50 years until his passing in 2004..

Hikitsuchi Sensei became a controversial figure as the recipient of an unofficial 10th dan awarded verbally in 1969 by Morihei Ueshiba. There were those who doubted its authenticity since the ranking was not processed through normal organizational channels. However, no one doubted his status as one of the leading aikido masters of the postwar era.

Hikitsuchi Sensei is a very important historical figure because of his extensive contact and training with Morihei Ueshiba during the latter’s frequent visits to Shingu. He was also an ordained Shinto priest and had the ability to comprehend Ueshiba’s often arcane manner of speaking. A devoted follower of the Founder, Hikitsuchi was capable of faithfully reproducing the speeches and technical explanations of Ueshiba with uncanny accuracy during his long teaching career in Shingu.

You will see many examples of this in the video lessons presented in the “Essential Teachings of Aikido” course. Hikitsuchi Sensei emphasizes important concepts like perceiving the opponent’s ki and seizing the initiative when executing aikido techniques. The precious content he imparts in these videos accurately reflects the ideas and technical methods used by Morihei Ueshiba. We sincerely hope that this information receives much wider recognition in the aikido community as a result of the availability of this course!